Dear Cindy,
       Perhaps it would be helpful to suggest to this mom that she and baby
bathe together.  Babies love the warm water and skin-to-skin contact.  A lot of
babies who won't nurse will relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the bath and
actually latch on.  (Sometimes, it takes two or three baths over a couple of
days before baby decides to latch.)
       This mother is stressing, and could use some time to just enjoy being
with her baby.  Explain that the bath together is a good time for that.  Mom
should understand that baby may or may not latch, though she can remain open to
the possibility.  I have had moms tell me that, even though their baby did
not latch, it was so pleasant to bathe with their baby that they were continuing
to do it on a regular basis.
       Details:  I suggest that mom lay a pallet of towels on the floor next
to the tub.  Place baby on the towels.  Mom gets in tub and sits down, then
reaches over for the baby.  The water should be lower than mom's breasts, so
that if baby decides to latch, he won't have his face under water.  When mom is
ready to get out of tub, she first stays seated and reaches over to place baby
on the towels.  Wrap baby in top towel to keep him warm.  *Then* mom gets out
of the tub.  That way we don't have mom trying to stand while holding a
slippery wet baby, and possibly having an accident.
       Mom can hold the baby in the water, or she can lay baby on her chest
and scoop water over baby's body/mom's chest repeatedly so he stays warm.
Explain to mom that if baby looks interested in breast, mom *must* contain her
excitement.  Baby may at first only want to lick the nipple, or bat at it with
his fist, in an effort to explore the nipple.  If mom gets too excited and tries
to draw baby to breast before he is ready, he will arch away and scream.  Mom
definitely needs to let baby lead this dance.
       Tell mom that even if baby doesn't latch, this is a wonderful way for
mom and baby to spend time enjoying each other's company.
       Dee Kassing, BS, MLS, IBCLC
       Collinsville, IL, central USA

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